Malaysia’s mixed doubles ace Goh Soon Huat has ruled out any chance of a comeback for the men’s singles event in the upcoming Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4.
Soon Huat began his career as a men’s singles player but believes he is no longer fit enough to take up the task. He had last competed in men’s singles category, nine years ago.
“Maybe I’ll pass the baton to (Chen) Tang Jie or (Hoo) Pang Ron instead, because my physical condition carries a higher risk now,” the 34-year-old said with a wry smile Tuesday (April 15).
Meanwhile, Soon Huat was surprised that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) named only two men’s singles players for the biennial mixed team event.
The onus for Malaysia’s men’s singles event will be on World No. 26 Leong Jun Hao and World No. 48 Justin Hoh in absence of Lee Zii Jia, who is still recovering from injury.
Another men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong also has to return to full fitness.
It is not the first time that Malaysia are facing a shortage in the men’s singles category. Setia Alam, both Zii Jia and Tze Yong were ruled out of the final because of injuries during last year’s Asian Team Championships.